UPDATE 3:50 p.m. June 27:
ST. IGNACE — The Mackinac County Board has officially handed the matter of alleged misuse of animal shelter funds in Mackinac County over to the MSP.
ST. IGNACE — Mackinac County commissioners have unanimously voted to oust the animal shelter manager.
The decision to place Donna Desjardins on administrative leave comes after an investigation into alleged mishandling of funds while managing the shelter in St. Ignace.
Desjardins was the manager for the past two years.... But worked at the shelter for thirteen years prior.
Earlier this year, an animal shelter advisory committee was formed to partner with the shelter itself to provide guidance and support to the building and to ensure effective operation of the shelter.
The county board said Desjardins felt the advisory committee was unnecessary.
Board member John Kling motioned to remove Desjardins after receiving complaints about her.
Two employees under Desjardins were also let go.
“That’s what led to putting the advisory committee to oversee the operations and assist and help with that department. But apparently that help was not welcome and that is how we got here,” said Mackinac County Commissioner John Kling
“I’ve done nothing with money. There’s all the receipts. I am not worried about that one bit. This is harassment. There is no reason to let us go,” Donna Desjardins, Fmr. Mackinac Co. Animal Shelter Mgr.
The board is urging the public who have donated money to the animal shelter in the last five years, and question where their money may have gone, they are to contact the clerk’s office or Michigan State Police.